Sometimes I wonder if the reason I sought relationships before I realized I was aromantic was because it felt like I was supposed to. Like I wasn't supposed to be happy (as in, it was supposed to be unnatural to be happy) unless I had a romantic relationship. Thinking back, that's what it seems like most of my past relationships were about. Doing what I was supposed to do to find happiness. Even though I had no idea how the hell romance was even supposed to work. Half the time I wondered if I was doing something wrong, because ALL of the things people talk about feeling I never experienced.

It wasn't until I realized that no, I don't need to do what society expects of me to be happy. I'm perfectly happy being in platonic relationships. Even in regards to sexual relationships, I don't need a romantic relationship to enjoy myself or help others enjoy themselves. Sex can be platonic, and it sucks that society has been built up to believe otherwise.

Biggest thing I have to remember is to be upfront about this sort of thing. If I'm getting intimate with someone or sense that things might be nudging towards a more romantic angle, just be up front that I'm not interested in a romantic relationship. ...not that I need to worry too much about that right now; work has me too busy to hang with friends or hook up with folks, and the pandemic sure as hell isn't helping